Hanukkah Books to Feast Upon
The year 2013 was a special year as the first night of Hanukkah coincided with Thanksgiving. Although the two holidays do not fall on exactly the same night this year, Hanukkah celebrants this year are looking forward to turkey and pie, followed by latkes and donuts in the same long weekend.
Here are some Hanukkah books that are worth checking out after feasting on all your holiday favorite foods:
Meet the Latkes written by Alan Silberberg
Meet the Latke Family. They are just like your family, but they are potato pancakes...and they get a little mixed up with the details of Hanukkah. Fans of Mo Willems' Piggie and Elephant series and Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein will love this must-read-out-loud Hanukkah book that attempts to tell the story of Hanukkah.
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The Golden Dreidel/The Golden Dreydlwritten by Ellen Kushner, illustrated by Kevin Keele
Although dozens of Hanukkah books exist for young readers, older readers deserve a great Hanukkah book, too. Luckily, this magical middle grade Hanukkah book fits the bill. Sara is celebrating Hanukkah with her family when a mysterious relative named Tante Miriam shows up with a special gift: a golden dreidel as a big as a book! When everyone goes to sleep, the dreidel turns into a free-spirited girl with golden hair who teleports Sara to a magical land of Demon kings and heroes from Jewish folklore. Fans of fantasy classics like Coraline, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and The Phantom Tollbooth will feel at home with The Golden Dreidel.
Check the CatalogNathan Blows Out the Hanukkah Candles written by Tami Lehman-Wilzig and Nicole Katzman, illustrated by Jeremy Tugeau
When Jacob's mom invites Steven and his family over to light the candles for Hanukkah, Jacob is worried his brother, Nathan, will embarrass him in front of his new friend. Nathan has autism and has trouble deciphering the traditions of blowing out candles on a birthday cake from watching the candles melt on the Hanukkah menorah. Thanks to Nathan, the two families will create a new Hanukkah tradition that everyone will want to continue!
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Hanukkah Moon written by Deborah de Costa, illustrated by Gosia Mosz
Because Judaism follows a lunar calendar, Hanukkah observers know that the sky will only show a sliver of the moon on the first night of Hanukkah, and a new moon (a pitch black sky) by the eighth night. In this coming-of-age story, Isobel will learn all about the Hanukkah moon from her Aunt Luisa, a newly arrived immigrant from Mexico. Aunt Luisa hangs a Feliz Januca banner over the fireplace and has a giant pinata in the shape of a dreidel! She also tells Isobel they will be celebrating the Hanukkah Moon. Is that like a blue moon or a man on the moon? This picture book for older readers glimpses into feminist Latin-Jewish Hanukkah traditions.
Check the CatalogHershel and the Hanukkah Goblins written by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
The delightful story relates how Hershel outwits the goblins that haunt the old synagogue and prevent the village people from celebrating Hanukkah..
Check the CatalogThe Trees of the Dancing Goatswritten and illustrated by Patricia Polacco
During a scarlet fever epidemic one winter in Michigan, a Jewish family helps make Christmas special for their sick neighbors by making their own Hanukkah miracle. Based on a memory from the author's childhood.
Check the CatalogOskar and the Eight Blessingswritten by Tanya and Richard Simon, illustrated by Mark Siegel
A young Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany arrives in New York City on the seventh night of Hanukkah and receives small acts of kindness while exploring the city.
Check the CatalogHow Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah?written by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague
Illustrations and rhyming text present some of the different ways a well-behaved dinosaur can celebrate the eight days and nights of Chanukah.
Check the CatalogChanukah Lights Everywhere!written by Michael J. Rosen, illustrated by Melissa Iwai
A young boy counts the candles on the family menorah and the lights he sees in the world around him on each night of Hanukkah. Includes information on the history and significance of the celebration.
Check the CatalogMrs. Greenberg's Messy Hanukkahwritten by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Nancy Cote
When Rachel makes latkes with her friend Mrs. Greenberg, the project turns out to be a very messy one. Includes a recipe for latkes.
Check the CatalogWhen Mindy Saved Hanukkahwritten by Eric Kimmel, illustrated by Barbara McClintock.
Jewish family living behind the wall of a synagogue must battle a frightening cat if they want candles for their Hanukkah menorah..
Check the CatalogHanukkah at Valley Forgewritten by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Greg Harlin
During the Revolutionary War, a Jewish soldier from Poland lights the menorah on the first night of Hanukkah and tells General George Washington the story of the Maccabees and the miracle that Hanukkah celebrates. Based on factual events.
Check the CatalogIt's a Miracle! A Hanukkah Storybookwritten by Stephanie Spinner, illustrated by Jill McElmurry
Every night of Hanukkah Grandma tells a story at bedtime. Includes the Hanukkah legend, blessings, and a glossary.
Check the CatalogLatke, the Lucky Dogwritten by Ellen Fischer, illustrated by Tiphanie Beeke
A family rescues a dog from a shelter during Hanukkah, and the pup proceeds to create holiday hijinks as he gets used to his new home.
Check the CatalogCheck back soon for more special events and library news from Bklyn Kids!
This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.
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